Aniah Blanchard Investigation Now Has Cash Reward

UFC Heavyweight Walt Harris’ daughter, Aniah Blanchard, has been missing for over a week now. As a community, everyone is doing their best to step up and bring Aniah home. The UFC’s President, Dana White posted a message on his social media to beg all fans to help with this tragic case. Additionally, the governor of Alabama is issuing a $5,000 reward for information in regards to Aniah.

According to Auburn police, Aniah Blanchard interacted with a friend just before midnight on October 23rd. Since then, Blanchard hasn’t been heard from since.

On Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a $5,000 reward for anyone who had information on the whereabouts of Aniah. Ivey took to social media to encourage anyone with information on the case to come forward.

I encourage anyone with information about the whereabouts of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard, who was last seen Oct. 23, to please call *HP or 9-1-1. We continue to pray for Aniah & her family as law enforcement officials work to bring her home. @ALEAprotects@CityofAuburnALpic.twitter.com/YT8683L9B9

Alabama Governor Issues Statement and Cash Reward

“I encourage anyone with information about the whereabouts of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard, who was last seen Oct. 23, to please call *HP or 9-1-1. We continue to pray for Aniah & her family as law enforcement officials work to bring her home. @ALEAprotects @CityofAuburnAL,” wrote Ivey.

A proclamation issued from Ivey’s office detailed the state of the case, as well as a reward for knowledge in regards to Blanchard.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as governor of the state of Alabama under Ala. Code 15-9-1 and – 3 do hereby offer a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s), provided that no arrest has been made in connection with her disappearance as of the date of this proclamation, and provided further that eligibility for this reward shall be limited to private citizens who are not members or employees of any government law enforcement agency or the relatives thereof.”

Aniah Blanchard’s Investigation

The disappearance of Aniah has now been upgraded to a criminal investigation. Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes stated they believe that “foul play” is suspected in the case of Blanchard missing.

“We fear for her safety and do not believe she has gone missing on her own accord,” Hughes said. (via cnn)

UFC President Dana White also took to Twitter to ask supporters to assist in the finding of Blanchard.

If anyone has any information on Aniah Blanchard, please call *HP or 911 immediately. Friends and fans please pass this video around. Thank you pic.twitter.com/4xDfcPMhGL

Rory is a graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations. As an avid sports fan, he is constantly looking for ways to bridge the gap between niche sports (such as MMA) and pop culture. Follow him @Rawrewreckz on Twitter for more.